Bernice McRae was born September 10, 1942 to the late John Henry McRae and the late Jessie Mae McRae in Valdosta, GA. Bernice concluded her earthly journey on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Interfaith Medical Center,
Brooklyn, NY. Ms. McRae was educated in the Valdosta City School System and an honor graduate of Pinevale
High School Class of 1960. After graduating from Pinevale, she attended Savannah State College, Savannah, GA.
As a young adult, with her daughter (Robrette), and Robrette’s Godmother, she moved to Crown Heights, Brooklyn
and later relocated to Bedford-Stuyvesant. She attended Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, NY and earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in accounting.

At an early age, Bernice joined Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Valdosta, GA. After relocating to
New York, she joined Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Brooklyn, NY where she was a faithful member and the
Financial Officer from 2013 until her health began to fail. She also served on the Board of Trustees later becoming
the Chair of Board. She was a member of the Progressive Ministry, Sisterhood Ministry and Worldwide Guild
holding the office of Past President. Bernice “Loved her Church Family”

Bernice was employed at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation in the Greater New York City Area for
thirty plus years. Her last position held was Director of Business Services where she consulted entrepreneurs about
business ownership and mentored them through the loan application process for the Restoration Revolving Loan
Fund.

Bernice also enjoyed giving her time and service to the community of Brooklyn. This included the Brooklyn
NAACP, The Campaign against Hunger, Albert Vann Legacy of Leadership Project, BK Reader, Children’s
Defense Fund, New York, Billie Holiday Theatre, Inc., and more that impacted the city of Brooklyn, NY.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her five brothers: William McRae, James L. Williams, John
R. McCray, Lonnie McCray and Abraham McRae: one brother-in-law: Edgar Sampson, Sr.
Bernice leaves to cherish her loving memories and give thanks for her life a loving daughter, Robrette E. McRae;
one sister, Emma Sampson; one brother, Hakim (Eddie) McRae; three sisters-in-law, Patricia McRae, Eula McRae
and Kathleen McCray Addison; eight nieces: Anita Jordan, Carolyn Sampson-Burgess (Warren, Jr), Jean McCray
Ashe, Abranna McRae, April McRae, Rebekah McRae, Marquita Reams and Michelle Sampson; nephews: Edgar
Sampson, Jr., William McCray, Willie Alderman, Gregory Sampson and Keith Sampson; great nieces: Daphne,
Clare, Jadyn, Jaslyn, Amaya, Aaliayah and Kinsely; great nephews: Edgar, III, William, Warren, III, JaCara,
Gregory, Hansome and Josiah. Special Families: The Southerlands, Hunters, Gatewoods and Cambridges; and a
host of church family and friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Bernice McRae will be Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at the Godfrey
Funeral Home Chapel, Valdosta.
Pastor J. Bernard Braswell, II will officiate.
Interment, Southview Cemetery.
Visitation, Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Godfrey Funeral Home.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net. Personal and
professional services provided by Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC.